The Rest Is History

167. Oil: The Making of the Modern World

Mar 24, 2022

Helen Thompson, a Professor of Political Economy at the University of Cambridge and expert on energy geopolitics, joins the hosts to discuss the monumental influence of oil throughout history. She traces the journey from the first oil well to Hitler's fixation on oil. The conversation highlights the geopolitical shifts post-Suez Crisis and the formation of OPEC. Key moments include the role of oil in shaping modern warfare and its impact on the Soviet Union's collapse, revealing the intricate power dynamics that continue to shape our world.

45:04

Episode guests

Helen Thompson

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Intro

2min

The Intricate Relationship Between Oil and Power

5min

The Geopolitical Odyssey of Oil

17min

The Oil Factor in War and Peace

10min

The Suez Crisis and the Birth of OPEC

7min

The Role of Oil in the Soviet Union's Collapse

5min

Tom and Dominic are joined by Helen Thompson, Professor of Political Economy at the University of Cambridge, to talk about the incredible influence of oil over the last couple of centuries.

Discussion covers the first oil well ever drilled, how it's hard to overestimate Hitler's obsession with oil, and the formation of OPEC in the aftermath of the Suez Crisis.

Helen's new book 'Disorder: Hard Times in the 21st Century' is out now.

Catch our second episode with Helen tomorrow, or get it right now by going to restishistorypod.com!

Producer: Dom Johnson

Exec Producer: Jack Davenport

*The Rest Is History Live Tour 2023*:

Tom and Dominic are back on tour this autumn! See them live in London, New Zealand, and Australia!

Buy your tickets here: restishistorypod.com

Twitter:

@TheRestHistory

@holland_tom

@dcsandbrook

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